I’m still fresh off in my transition, but the day is growing nearer that I am “visibly trans” in public. I live in a very rural town and although I dress very femme, I feel like my growing breasts are going to end up attracting a lot of attention.

I’m lucky to not have been faced with direct bigotry or transphobia but I’ve definitely been around “friends and family” who have shared hurtful and terrible viewpoints about my identity. These people are no longer in my life for obvious reasons, but that isn’t something I can control with strangers in public.

My best defense is to not let it get to me in the moment and ignore any comments I may hear. That, and the pepper spray attached to my purse. ✌🏻